Recycling isn’t cheap, never has been. And chances are when you meet a recycling opponent their argument will be that in the end, the cost and energy that goes into recycling outweighs that of just throwing it away. While we certainly don’t believe that to be true, there is something to be said about how cash-strapped communities, businesses, and municipalities will deal with the cost of recycling in hardship economic times.

Here in Washington, 2009 marked the beginning of E-Cycle Washington, a program created following the passage of a 2006 e-waste bill that puts the cost of recycling old electronics on the manufacturers, as opposed to taxpayers and the government as it traditionally has been. And thus far it’s working – working quite well. E-Cycle Washington is a collaborative effort between the Department of Ecology, electronics manufacturers and retailers, local governments, and non-profit organizations that allows households, small businesses, school districts, small governments and charities to recycle old electronics free of charge. According to the Yakima Herald, “products collected under the program are taken to an approved processor in Western Washington, which recycles metals, glass, plastics and other materials that would otherwise be tossed. Strict rules are followed, ensuring hazardous materials stay out of landfills here and abroad.”

As the Yakima Herald reported recently, the amount collected in the first month of operation is somewhere between 20- and 30-percent more than was expected. So much so that E-Cycle Washington is asking people to wait a few months before dropping off their electronics so the collection sites can catch up.  If you'd like to find out more information about how and where you can drop off you electronics in Spokane - visit 1800recycle.wa.gov and navigate the inquiries for the best results.  And remember to wait a few months to do so - which will coincide nicely with spring cleaning time.

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